14/5/03
Fremantle community groups that rely on volunteers will greatly benefit from the establishment of a new volunteer resource centre in the heart of the city.
The shopfront in High Street was officially opened today by Minister with Responsibility for Volunteering Sheila McHale and Mayor of Fremantle Peter Tagliaferri.
The centre is a unique partnership between the State Government, City of Fremantle and the University of Notre Dame's Edmund Rice Centre of Social Justice.
Ms McHale said the aim was to support volunteer organisations and activities and encourage more Western Australians, particularly young people, to volunteer their services.
"The centre will offer support, training and information to organisations to help them involve and manage their volunteers, and ensure all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities," she said.
"Using its extensive database of local agencies that use volunteers, the centre will be able to provide a referral service where the interests and skills of volunteers are matched with relevant participating organisations.
"It will also provide a one-stop shop for potential volunteers wanting to explore the range of opportunities available to them."
The centre is a unique partnership between the State Government, City of Fremantle and the University of Notre Dame's Edmund Rice Centre of Social Justice.
The Fremantle Volunteer Resource Centre is one of 17 new and existing facilities across WA to receive funding under the State Government's Volunteer Community Development Grants program.
Its database will include the City of Fremantle's 800 active volunteers and more than 400 community organisations that involve local volunteers in their daily operations.
The centre opening is one of many activities under way to celebrate National Volunteer Week in WA, which runs from May 12 to 18.
Ms McHale said the week was an important opportunity to recognise and thank WA's 428,200 volunteers who freely give their time, energy and skills to helping others.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
